What to Do in the Sunshine this Weekend
The sun looks set to shine so here's how to make the most of the warm weather over the weekend
Down on the farm…
Taking place on the 11th June, LEAF Open Farm Sunday gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about farming and the countryside, and farmers the chance to talk about what they’re so proud of: British food and farms! All across the country farms are taking part, but for those in the North East we recommend heading to Wheelbirks Farm in Stocksfield where there’ll be tractor and trailer rides, a tour of their ice cream parlour, a look inside the milking parlour and a bouncy castle. In Yorkshire, at Hazel Brow Farm explore the staples of Swaledale’s farming landscape with hands-on demonstrations of dry stone walling, wooly arts and crafts, the chance to feed goats and sheep, and walking with alpacas.
Brush up on your art skills…
Head outdoors into the beautiful surroundings of Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet for an afternoon of sketching and painting ‘en plein air’. Alongside a likeminded group, you’ll explore a selection of views around this picturesque, historic site, with feedback and support from an experienced tutor. Whether you’re a budding beginner, a frequent urban sketcher, or an indoor painter wanting to move outdoors, the session is suitable for participants with any level of experience. There will be a selection of materials and paper available, though you may prefer to bring your own.
Watch them gannin’ alang the Scotswood Road…
Friday marks the 41st staging of the North East’s most iconic road race, The Blaydon Race and while it’s too late to sign up to run, why not head down to watch? With the start of the race moving to the iconic Newcastle Quayside, a new addition to the race’s start countdown will see world renowned opera singer and local Consett-born lad, Graeme Danby, lead runners, supporters and spectators in a rendition of George Ridley’s iconic folk song. A fitting curtain raiser, before local lass and former Lioness and England Goalkeeper, Carly Telford starts the race. Click here for more information about this year’s race, but beware with so many runners and spectators (not to mention it’s a Friday, and Sam Fender!) it’s going to be a busy one in Newcastle!
Head down to the coast…
It was World Ocean Day yesterday so whether you take part in a beach clean to protect the oceans (Ranger Jane’s Beach School are cleaning the North Beach in Seahouses on Saturday) or you go to watch wildlife that calls the coast home (the RSPB puffin and gannet seabird cruise sails from Bridlington Harbour on Saturday), there are lots of activities to get involved with. And you can’t go to the seaside without treating yourself to an ice cream, so we’ve picked out the best places to get locally-made ice cream and gelato across the North East and Yorkshire here.
Head to the pub…
Pub culture is an integral part of British life but going to your local pub doesn’t have to mean cosying up by the fire. Whether you're looking for hearty pub grub, a pint in the beer garden, or a just quick and easy pit stop when out and about, there are so many reasons to head to your local (or someone else’s) in the sunshine. We’ve picked out the best pubs to visit this weekend for perfect pints and great food across both the North East and Yorkshire.
Read More: Six Inspirational Podcasts from North East and Yorkshire Voices
Get out in the garden…
There’s nothing better than getting out in the garden on a sunny day, but if like us you’re a little fed up at the sight of your own lawn, why not visit someone else's this weekend? Old Sleningford Hall near Ripon is opening the gates to its large country garden and award-winning permaculture forest garden this Saturday and Sunday, and you can expect everything from mature trees to a walled kitchen garden and a romantic lake with islands. In the North East, Georgian country house Glanton Pyke is also opening to the public this Sunday to raise funds for the local hospice. The garden is quite spectacular at this time of year with rhododendrons, a laburnum arch walkway, Italian garden, wild meadow and beautiful shaped topiary.
Jump into the cockpit…
This weekend South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum is holding their first Open Cockpit weekend for the year. With up to 30 cockpits open to climb aboard featuring everything from military fast jets, to helicopters, large and small to gliders and everything in between, let your inner aviator loose. They’re also going to be joined by a Westland Scout XV130 helicopter which will be performing throughout the weekend, and the team from TAC II Air Assault will be displaying their military vehicles and equipment with local hero Ben Parkinson.
Pop along to a pop-up…
This Sunday, Full Circle Taproom is holding a summer Pop-Up Market at their Hoults Yard brewery where they’ll be joined by a variety of local pop-up stalls. Head down for an afternoon of relaxed shopping and you’ll find foodies such as Good Tempered Chocolate Company and Doddingtons Ice Cream, jewellery by Maggs Studio and Brewery Jewellery, and homeware from Cement by Jensen and Isle Handcrafted. Head to the outdoor taproom terrace, where you can refuel with tacos from Flankman before washing it down with a cold pint of Full Circle beer.
